When Data Becomes a Story: Inside the NAIT Indigenous Community Atlas Project

When Data Becomes a Story: Inside the NAIT Indigenous Community Atlas Project

From Geographical Thinking from Esri Canada by Esri Canada

May 28, 2026 · 50 min

About this episode

This episode explores the Indigenous Community Atlas Project and the integration of science, community knowledge, and storytelling in land-use planning.

Behind every map is a story, and behind every story is a responsibility to understand and protect the landscapes that sustain us. In this episode of Geographical Thinking, Michelle Brake is joined by Dave Blaine from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) to explore the Indigenous Community Atlas Project and the broader Indigenous Community Atlas Project. Together, they unpack how science, community knowledge, and storytelling come together to turn environmental data into meaningful guidance for land‑use planning and decision‑making. From engaging maps that resonate beyond technical audiences to stories that help balance development and conservation, this conversation highlights why how we present data matters just as much as the data itself. Whether you’re a planner, researcher, GIS professional, or simply curious about how maps can drive better outcomes, this episode offers inspiration and practical insight into turning information into action.

People in this episode

Host: Michelle Brake

Guest: Dave Blaine

Topics covered

  • Indigenous Community Atlas Project
  • land-use planning
  • storytelling
  • environmental data
  • community knowledge

Keywords

  • Indigenous Community Atlas
  • land-use planning
  • environmental data
  • storytelling
  • community knowledge

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Esri Canada

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